Monday, September 5, 2011

I bought this dresser off Craigslist. In the listing it said it was a project. When I arrived to get it, I almost turned around and left.
But there was something about this maple dresser that made me want to help it.
The veneer was missing from the top. After peeling some back, I realized what was underneath was even worse. So I used a ton of wood filler to fill the gap.
Hubby got busy with the wood glue on the drawers, the sides and the top. The veneer was loose everywhere!
But look at these wood wheels. Swoon.
And look at the finish on the legs! Uggg!
I opted for Paris Gray, even though the rest of the furniture in the guest room is Old White. This baby needed to stand out.When the paint dried, the top bowed. So Hubby peeled the veneer back a bit and injected wood glue.
I thought it was going in the landfill at this point.
Despite my tight deadline, we clamped it and left it for dead overnight.
When we woke, we found it was still a bit wet and one part did not adhere too well.
So I sanded this baby with 100 grit and the palm sander. I was losing hope.
Then I heavily distressed the whole dresser. I figured nothing was going to be perfect on her, so lets embrace her quarks.
Oh yeah, roughed up in all the right places.
Then I mixed AS Dark Wax with some clear and brushed and wiped the mix all over the dresser.
You can see the difference – the top left drawer has not been waxed.
Then I hit the top. Crossing my fingers, I applied some more wood filler, sanded and painted a coat.
Without further ado…

This has been my biggest furniture challenge yet. I am so thrilled with the result! I may have to move her in a place where I can see her everyday! I cannot express my relief and shock that I actually brought her back to life!
Let’s look at some more shots, shall we?
Hope you all enjoy!
XO-
Shannon
I must share with some friends at these parties:

Oh my she is a beauty. I was taught in adult shop class that after you put glue under the veneer, place a folded paper towel over the glued area then a board. Clamp in place and let dry. When you remove the clamps, the board will not stick because it has the paper towel between the board and top surface. The paper towel will stick to the top and all you have to do is sand the paper towel off. I use this technique all the time to make veneer lay down flat.

Wow! I might have given up. I just did a chair in ASCP old white with AS dark wax and then AS clear wax. It's posted righ now. I love how it turned out. I think I will keep it for a while before I sell it.I'm impressed!!

What an amazing before and after! I applaud your stick-to-it approach- your patience payed off big time! Looking forward to checking out some of your other projects. Newest follower!Please stop by- I'm having a pet portrait give away!

I have to laugh at the whole process we furniture painters go through.

1. look for old..beat up piece of furniture2. glue, strip, sand and fix wonky legs and drawers so everything is like new3. Paint in gorgeous ASCP colors4.DISTRESS THE H*** OUT OF IT TO LOOK WORN AND BEAT UP AGAIN

This is gorgeous!! I admire your patience, haha! And I just love love love paris grey- such a good choice! As your newest follower, I'd love it if you linked this up to T.G.I.F. (Thank God I'm Finished) Friday at RummageLiving happening RIGHT NOW! http://www.rummageliving.com/2011/09/t-g-i-f-thank-god-im-finished-link-party/